RECYCLING.

A P H S WA S T E T E C H G U I D E

INTRODUCTION
Within the United Kingdom (UK), we generate roughly 280 million tonnes of household waste per year. In 2009, the UK created 526 kg per person, higher than the EU average of 512 kg. However, the UK figure has really been falling consistently during the last 10 years and it is at its cheapest level since 1996. Allied to this, the quantity of household recycling has increased considerably during the last decade. In 2000-01, roughly 11% of household waste was recycled. However, by 2010-11, this figure had enlarged to 41%, meaning the UK is on track to satisfy the countrys obligations under the EU Waste Framework Directive, necessitating a rate of 50% by 2020.

BENEFITS OF RECYCLING.
A few of the benefits linked to recycling include reduced carbon dioxide emissions as a consequence of manufacturing, landfilling or incineration as well as cost savings for industries which use cheaper, recycled materials. In terms of targeting those areas that will have the greatest impact, the European Commission has prioritised the following four waste streams for improvement in recycling and disposal.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOUR WASTE STREAMS.

Packaging. End of Existence Automobiles. Batteries. Waste Electrical and Electronics (WEEE).

RESPONSIBILITY DEAL.
To assist recycling efforts, the federal government has pledged to assist companies in many ways. This pledge is titled a Responsibility Deal and is a co-operative initiative between Defra and the Environmental Services Association (the ESA, representing the waste and resource management sector). Companies within this sector were seen as the answer to achieving waste management objectives by the government, because they were where in a good position to help their customers to adopt sustainable resource management practices.

RESPONSIBILITY DEAL BENEFITS.

Included in the Responsibility Deal, Defra aims to assist companies recycle cost effectively and it has put down a number of ways to get this done including: Providing help and advice to businesses on how to reduce waste. Requesting local authorities sign up to a new Business Recycling and Waste Services Commitment, which would advise what businesses can expect from local waste services. Working with private waste contractors on a voluntary agreement to promote sustainable waste management by SMEs and to increase usage of recycling services.

CONCLUSION
Household recycling is up 41% in the last decade, making the UK on target to achieve the EU Waste Framework Directive rate of 50% by 2020. The government is providing support to businesses to help them become more efficient recyclers. This pledge is called a Responsibility Deal. Businesses are seen as ideal recycling advocates as they convenience their customers to make a change in the work environment and this can be potentially carried forward into their homes.